NCJ Number
88462
Date Published
1982
Length
82 pages
Annotation
This report profiles the problems of crime victims and witnesses in Florida and discusses the strategies recommended for addressing these problems, including the need for and cost effectiveness of victim/witness programs.
Abstract
Sexual assault and domestic violence crimes are grossly underreported and if they are reported, police often cannot pursue the case because the law fails to deal with such crimes or the victim fails to proceed to prosecution. Crime victims or witnesses may not receive assistance in understanding criminal justice procedures; inefficient use and management of witnesses, in particular, results in thousands of lost dollars for both State and local court systems. Florida's Bureau of Criminal Justice Assistance Victim/Witness Project believes that the services local communities offer to victims and witnesses can reduce and possibly eliminate these problems. Project staff recommend that sex and domestic crimes be counted in the criminal justice reporting system, that vehicles must be made available to encourage victims to report these crimes, and that the impact of poor witness management be documented. Specific strategies to achieve these objectives are outlined. Tables, footnotes, and about 30 references are supplied. Results of the 1980 victim/witness survey in Florida and the survey instrument are appended.